The capital city of Minas Tirith is an island amidst a sea of foes. With limited available allies and a dwindling status, the Gondorians’ nature reflects the battle-ready state of their country. Nevertheless, Gondor remains as a stalwart bastion against all those who oppose the West, be they Orc, Beast or Enslaved Men. From the Second Age and throughout the Third Age, an almost ceaseless conflict with the combined or scattered armies of Mordor, Rhun, Harad and Umbar has made the Gondorian fighting force the greatest standing army of the Free Peoples at the time of the War of the Ring. The Gondorian Infantry comprises of western Middle-earth’s most well-trained and well-equipped front line soldiers of at the end of the Third Age. Bold and competent at their duty, it is their resolve that the lands beyond the Anduin are safeguarded from the Dark Lord. The entire army of Minas Tirith is uniformed in appearance, in contrast with the varied hordes of its enemies.
The Swordsmen of Gondor form the bulk of the kingdom’s soldiery. Armed with keen swords forged by the blacksmiths of Minas Tirith and carrying heavy shields capable of deflecting even the heaviest of enemy blows, these warriors have seen much of battle and fight with an unmatched fervour to bring an end to the war for the sake of their homes.

Effective against both enemy infantry and cavalry charges, the Spearmen of Gondor serve as the forefront of any army of Minas Tirith fighting on the field of battle. Supported by Swordsmen and Archers, a determined Gondorian Spearmen wall-formation can push back almost any adversary they come across.

Though not as skilled in their profession as those of the Blackroot Vale and Ithilien, the longbowmen divisions of Minas Tirith defend their garrisons vehemently. Lining the outer walls when defending a city and forming the rearmost ranks when fighting on the battlefield, the Archers of Gondor can devastate an enemy host even at the early stages of the assault with their continuous volleys.

Known collectively as the Tower Guard, the Citadel Guards and the Fountain Guards form the very elite of Minas Tirith’s military might (excluding Dol Amroth). Hand-picked from veteran members of outlying garrisons such as Ithilien, Cair Andros and the Crossings of Poros, from the very best of Minas Tirith’s training academies or from the sons of nobles themselves, the Tower Guard is however, more of a ceremonial guard than an active force. Only small companies of them are ever sent out of the City, and even then only at the behest of the King or Steward.

Founded early in the Second Age when Isildur and Anarion ruled the Southern Kingdom of Gondor, the Citadel Guard of Gondor is the most ancient order still active within the city of Minas Tirith, except for perhaps the Guard of the Fountain Court, answering only to the command of the King or Steward. To be permitted into the ranks of the Guard was a prestige that by being a mere man at arms of the Citadel alone guaranteed honour throughout Gondor. The guardsmen wield sword, spear and bow with equal proficiency and are unflinching in battle where others would retreat. Swearing an oath to obey the King of Gondor (or in the absence of the king, the Ruling Steward) while defending the sacred places of the White Tower, a member of the Guard will serve the ruler of the city until dismissal or death.

Guard of the Fountain Court

Guards of the Fountain's
Available upgrades: Banners, Heavy Armour, Blades of Numenor

The silent, unmoving and ever watchful sentinels of Minas Tirith’s 7th level, the Guard of the Fountain Court are an intimidating elite order of a sole specific duty: to protect the White Tree of Gondor. Only a command from the king of Gondor may move these guardsmen from their posts. Tall, stern and exerting a proud bearing, the Fountain Guard wield the finest weapons available in the White Tower and wear mithril winged-helms and elaborate heavy armour. To the locals and outsiders alike, the sight of the Fountain Guards show a glimpse of the glory of Numenor long lost in the waves.

Although primarily an infantry based army (except the fiefdom of Belfalas), Gondor maintains a small cavalry within Minas Tirith as swift scouts, errand riders, relief forces or tasked companies. The horses of Minas Tirith and its outposts at Osgiliath and Cair Andros are usually supplied by the Southern Fiefdoms, where the land is plentiful and large enough for grazing.

Despite being far fewer in number than the Riders of Rohan and less distinguished than the Knights of Dol Amroth, the Knights of Minas Tirith have proven their worth as a reliable cavalry arm of the kingdom. Mounted upon swift horses, the veteran Knights of Gondor will often surge through enemy lines, throwing down their enemies with sword and lance.

Trebuchet

Smashes down fortifications

A recent and exclusive addition to the army of Minas Tirith is the inclusion of military workshops charged with the creation and maintenance of the City’s machines of war. Invented out of necessity rather than interest, the siege weapons of Minas Tirith were initially wall-bound defenses, used to keep the armies of Sauron at bay before the construction of the Rammas Echor. The most well-known of these, the Trebuchet, received much acclaim for its effectiveness and can also be seen mounted along the battlements of the fortress-cities of Dol Amroth and Pelargir.

Outranging all other siege weapons of its age, the Trebuchet of Minas Tirith prides itself on its superior accuracy, repeatability and destructive capability. Boulders launch from these engines can shatter walls and crush entire companies of warriors in moments. Having since been modified to include mobile easily-transported variants for emplacement on the open field, the Trebuchet of Gondor functions as both a defensive and offensive weapon, slow to aim and difficult to build but a fearsome weapon in the hands of skilled crewmen.

Captain of Gondor

Leads the troops of Gondor

To ascend to the rank of Captain of the White Tower is the highest prestige attainable by a soldier of the kingdom of Gondor. Joining the order through training and rank, a natural gift of command or both, a Gondorian Captain exerts an aura of authority on the realm’s nobility and rank and file alike. Although a staple of the Gondor military, there is no definite post for a Captain of Minas Tirith, for at the word of the steward or king a captain may be sent to lead Gondor’s forces from as near as the Rammas Echor to as far as the Crossings of Poros. Once a task is accomplished the Captain may then be recalled at a moments notice to another front with only brief rest. Thus, only those who’ve truly proved their mettle, valour, leadership and fighting prowess remain within this demanding station.